"I'm up and down," Garner said of her emotional state. "It's going to get better."

She cries in worry about her daughter in Mississippi. She cries for her destroyed home. This week, she's especially tearful for the people who are in the path of Rita.

"I'm just scared for them," she said. "I know it sounds terrible, but I wish it would hit where Katrina hit. We've already lost everything. We don't have a damn thing to lose."

Sam and Beverly Maggio

Sam and Beverly Maggio, both 66, left their home in Metairie, La., with underwear, socks and all their photos. They returned to find everything else they owned in a muddy, mildewy mess. They had a lifetime of collectibles in one room, and opened that door to a devastating scene of shattered memories. Wearing masks and gloves, they picked through their lives, elated to find a few things still intact, like a miniature carousel they bought the year they were married.

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Sam and Beverly Maggio

"We retired a year ago," Beverly said. "We thought we'd be set for life. You never know."

Patricia Ward

Patricia Ward, 67, a retired teacher from New Orleans, just wants to go back home.

"My friend told me I need to get a reality check," she said.

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Ward

She stayed in Baton Rouge for a week after Katrina, then came to live with her sister in St. Augustine when she realized she needed a long-term solution.

"When the city is open, I want to go see what my home looks like," she said. "I hope it's still standing. If it isn't, then I've got to look at Plan B."

The Benton's have made the decision to stay and start over in Hastings.

Acosta is unsure about where she'd like to stay in the long-term.

"It all depends on the situation with my home," said Acosta. As for now, they have 14 people living in a trailer. Calvin needs a job to get on his feet. But with a baby and no transportation, it's been difficult.

Dana and Gaelyn Byrne

Though living in a Holiday Inn, Dana and Gaelyn Byrne have begun to put down roots in St. Augustine Beach. They plan to stay for good.

Dana has been working at the desk at the Holiday Inn, and Gaelyn has been attending St. Augustine High School.

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Dana and Gaelyn Byrne

"She loves the school," Dana said. "We came from one of the worst school systems."

Dana's husband, Chuck, evacuated with them, then got temporary work in Tennessee. They also have an older daughter, Marcella, 21, who transferred to LSU.

Joe Celano's Family

Joe Celano has lived in New Orleans for 45 years and never evacuated for a storm.

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Joe Celano's Family

As Katrina hit a Category 5, Joe started thinking this might be the storm that breaks his streak.

"I was still on the fence about leaving. Then my wife said, 'I'm taking the kids and the dog. You're welcome to come along,' " Joe said. "When she said she was taking the dog, I knew she was serious."

Their children, Sarah, 10, Tony, 8, and Emily, 5, are now enrolled at the Cathedral Parish School. Their standard poodle, Flambeaux, is also safe with the family.

Rick and Sue Mickler

Rick Mickler, 48, and Sue Mickler, 43, came to St. Augustine with their son, Jimmy, 10, from New Orleans.

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Rick and Sue Mickler

"We've never had to ask for anything in our lives," Rick said. "It's kind of hard to do. You have to swallow your pride a little bit."

They received $2,000 from FEMA, the YMCA gave them a free membership, and when the Red Cross found out their son's birthday was coming up, they gave them a hotel at Disney. His company donated tickets to the park.

"I never realized there was this big of a family to help," said Rick. "We feel fortunate to be here."

Nata and Alonzo families

Female members of the Nata and Alonzo family stand with Wayne Alonzo, the family member they came to live with when Katrina struck.